Ohlone Wilderness Trail

The most remote and beautiful areas of the Ohlone Wilderness are accessible only along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail corridor. This trail traverses 28 miles of mountains and oak canyons in southern Alameda County and is open to hikers and equestrians. It features substantial and challenging elevation gain that totals 7,600 feet. Beginning hikers should aim to condition for this workout. That said, it’s worth the strain as you soak up amazing vistas, scout for wildlife and marvel at being in such a remote locale so close to a huge metropolis.

Parks form the trailheads at both ends of the trail: Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont on the west and Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore on the east. The trail passes Rose Peak, the highest accessible point in Alameda County, and traverses Sunol Regional Wilderness, one of the East Bay’s premiere hiking destinations. This regional wilderness seems to float above the surrounding patches of urban population. When enjoyed as a multi-day backpack trip, it feels faraway and natural with a few reminders of the city. For instance, it’s common to witness large raptor-like eagles and hawks swooping down on their prey at the same time as airliners fly over the region on their way to the Bay Area’s airports.